Introduction to Software and BIM Tools
Main tools for AECO industry – BIM Software
It is important to understand that Building Information Modelling or ‘BIM’ is not just about a particular programme or software supplier. BIM implies collaboration, interoperability, circular workflows, project co-ordination, Big Data, etc. BIM is the process, while Revit, for example, is the technology.
The three pillars 3, 4 & 5 contains some of the BIM tools available on the market today. All users should take the time to evaluate and assess which are best suited to their intended applications.
Design Software
The most popular drawing or design software tools for BIM modelling are:
- Autodesk Revit (Architecture/Structures/MEP) 31%
- Graphisoft ArchiCAD 19%
- Nemetschek Vectorworks 15%
- Autodesk AutoCAD LT 12%
- Autodesk AutoCAD 12%
- Other 5%
- Bentley Microstation 3%
- Trimble Sketchup 1%
- Bentley Building Suite 1%
- Nemetschek Allplan 1%
CAD Architecture Software
BIM Architecture Software:
- –Revit (Autodesk)
- –ArchiCAD (Graphisoft)
- –Allplan (Nemetschek)
- -AECOsim (Bentley)
- -Digital Project (Gehry Technologies)
BIM Software Planning & Management:
- -Vico (Trimble)
- –Solibri
- –Synchro Pro
- –Naviswork (Autodesk)
- –Navigator (Bentley)
- –Glue (Autodesk)
- –Think Project
- –Zutec
BIM Collaboration Solutions / or Document Management for BIM
- Asite
- Aconex
- ViewPoint Collaboration
- Maclaren
- Zutec
- Causeway
- Buildcloud
- Bentley Connect
- Trimble Connect
- RIBProjectCentre
- NewForma
- Kykloud
BIM Calculation Software &/or Representation of Facilities:
- Arquimedes (CYPE)
- Candy QTO (CCS)
- Presto (Soft)
- Mideplan (Arktec)
- ITwo
- COSTX
- CYPECAD (CYPE)
- CYPE 3D – CYPE-Connect (CYPE)
- Dimensionx
- Tekla Structures (Trimble)
- Robot (Autodesk)
- Graitec Advanced Steel-Concrete (Autodesk)
- Revit 17 Structure (Autodesk)
- Vico (Trimble)
BIM Energy Efficiency Software Studies:
- ECOTECT ANALYSIS (Autodesk)
- EcoDesigner (Graphisoft)
- MEP -CYPECAD EnergyPlus (CYPE)
- Energy Simulator (Bentley)
BIM Software Facility Management:
BCF Visualizers & Reviewers:
- Asite
- Aconex
- ViewPoint Collaboration
- BIMx (Graphisoft)
- VICO (Trimble)
- Solibri Model Viewer
- DDS-CAD Viewer
- Tekla BIMSight (Trimble)
- Revizto
Conflict Detector:
- Solibri Model Checker
- Tekla BIMSight (Trimble)
- MEP (Trimble)
- MEP Modeller (Graphisoft)
- Asite
- Aconex
- ViewPoint Collaboration
Modeling & Rendering Software:
- Cinema-4D (Maxon)
- Lumion
- 3D StudioMax (Autodesk)
- SketchUP (Trimble)
- ArtLantis (Abvent)
- Maxwell Render (Maxwell)
- Rhinoceros
- MAYA